Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

a moment as I take in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line

sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter

Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since

Her father…

Christ…

and her cheeks are brushed with

Babe…

high cheekbones with a fingertip.

see Charlotte… my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed, wilful, frustrating, crazy, wonderful

reaching to touch

face, “How are

watery. “I’m fine. Really, I’m fine

of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only in not standing up again.” I replace my

dropping her gaze,

better state than that if you really want to get yourself

voice is a whisper. “Is that

It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help however I

hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder. “I missed you. It was lonely in

did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been

forehead creases. “You mean

imagine James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might be my good

disappoint you there.” James holds a tray. The scents of toast

bolt upright. “God,

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago